Pokémon Sun & Moon

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are the two newest main series Pokémon games to be revealed. They will be released for the Nintendo 3DS on November 18th, 2016; in Europe, however, they will be released a few days later, on November 23rd, 2016.

These games were first officially announced on a special Nintendo Direct that took place on Pokémon's 20th anniversary, February 27th, 2016. Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon were initially announced with only names, logos, and vague concept art, but have since shown a few new Pokémon, gameplay, and other details in trailers.

New Pokémon!

Like every new generation, Sun & Moon will introduce brand new Pokémon. Above are the three starter Pokémon for Sun & Moon — Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. However, many other wonderful Pokémon from Alola have been revealed so far as well! To see a complete list of other currently revealed new Pokémon in Sun and Moon, in addition to some information regarding them, click the button below!

The Alola Region

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon take place in a brand new region called Alola. This region is based off of the real-world location Hawaii, featuring a tropical environment, multiple islands, and a volcano.

Alolan Pokémon

Some Pokémon from Kalos (the first generation) have adapted to the Alola region and, as a result, have a different appearance and typing! These forms are known as "regional variants." Click below to read more!

The Island Challenge

Instead of defeating gyms, Alola has a unique system of completing trials on each island. These trials may require more than just battling; other methods, such as finding items or using your head, may be involved. At the end of each trial is a Totem Pokémon, which is larger and stronger than other Pokémon of the same species, and will call upon allies to help make it even more powerful.

The last trial of each island is called the Grand Trial, which involves battling the leader of the island, called the kahuna. Once the kahuna is defeated, the player can move onto the trials of the next island.

Although there is no Pokémon League in Alola, the player will be able to watch one form! After becoming the champion, you will also be able to access a place called the Battle Tree, where you will meet many other powerful trainers. This even includes the classic characters Red and Blue!

New Characters

Player

Hau

Lillie

Professor Kukui

Of course, many new characters will be appearing in Pokémon Sun & Moon. Some of these characters have been shown already.

The two player characters are shown above, on the left. When you first begin the game, you'll be able to customize your hair, eye, and skin color, as seen to the right. Later on, you'll be able to very heavily customize your appearance. Not only can you change your clothes, style and color your hair, and change the color of your eyes using contact lenses, but colored dyes are also available to change the color of clothes as you please.

Hau is a friend and rival of yours! He has a big heart as well as a big appetite. He also has a strong affinity for malasadas, which are popular in the Alola region.

The girl in fancy clothing is named Lillie, who works as Professor Kukui's assistant. She is described as a "mysterious girl" who dislikes battling, and will apparently have a big part in Sun and Moon's story. This role in the story is currently unknown.

Pictured above and on the far right is Professor Kukui, the professor of Alola. He appears to have a casual attitude, but is very passionate about Pokémon, taking a special interest in Pokémon moves.

Leader Guzma

Admin Plumeria

Gladion

Grunts

Sun & Moon also features a brand new villainous team named Team Skull. Their exact purpose is currently unknown, but they cause a lot of trouble in Alola. Guzma, the leader, appears to have a problem with Professor Kukui, and talks about never being able to become a trial captain. Plumeria is the caring yet strict "big sister" of Team Skull. Gladion is described as an "enforcer" of Team Skull, and uses the new Pokémon Type: Null in battle.

Leader Lusamine

Wicke

Faba

Employees

The Aether Foundation, led by Lusamine, is another group in Alola, but unlike Team Skull, they appear caring and helpful. Their goal is to shelter and care for Pokémon who need it. In the Alola region, they have created an artificial island called "Aether Paradise," where they provide such shelter and conduct research projects.

The Aether Foundation is currently researching the mysterious Ultra Beasts, as well as a particular and exceedingly rare Pokémon called Cosmog.

Ultra Beasts

UB-01

UB-02 Absorption

UB-02 Beauty

UB-03 Lighting

UB-05 Gluttony

Ultra Beasts are creatures in the Alola region that have caused mass alarm due to possibly being a threat to both humans and Pokémon. Each has been given a simple code name by the Aether Foundation.

New Mechanics & Features!

Pokémon Sun & Moon will be bringing new and radical mechanics/features to the franchise.

One major change is the introduction of Z-Moves. These are very powerful moves that can only be used once per battle.

There is also a new feature in Alola called Poké Ride, which allows you to call on certain Pokémon at any time to help you travel to places otherwise inaccessible.

Pokémon Sun & Moon also introduces a new training method called Hyper Training. This will allow players to increase the IVs of their Pokémon, something that was previously impossible, by using an item called Bottle Caps. It is currently unknown how to get Bottle Caps, though one will be available through a future Magearna distribution.

This method of training will only be available to Pokémon that have reached level 100.

Pokémon Refresh is a feature that appears very similar to Gen VI's Pokémon Amie. You will be able to groom your Pokémon, pet them, and feed them, which give them an advantage in battle, very much like Pokémon Amie. However, unlike Amie, it can also cure status conditions.

New Pokédex?!

The Pokédex given to you by Professor Kukui is very special in that it has a personality! This Pokédex is inhabited by a Rotom, and gives you tips and advice throughout your journey. On top of being a Pokédex, it is also able to function as a map and a camera.

The Rotom Pokédex is said to be very rare, with only a few Trainers actually owning one (even within the Alola region).

New Zygarde Formes

Although Zygarde was released in the sixth generation and obtainable in Pokémon X & Y, new Formes for it have been revealed, which will become available for the first time in Pokémon Sun & Moon. Click below to learn more!

New Ways to Battle Friends

There will be a few new ways to battle among your friends in Pokémon Sun & Moon.

One is called Battle Royal (pictured right). It allows four trainers to send Pokémon out in battle at once, able to attack whoever they choose. Each trainer can use three Pokémon total, and the battle ends when someone runs out. Based on how many Pokémon they knock out, and how many Pokémon they have left at the end, each battler will be ranked to determine a winner.

There is also now a way to set up your own competitions through the Pokémon Global Link. Details on this are currently unknown.

Pokémon Sun & Moon Videos

Most recent official trailer:

Title: Exclusive Starter Pokémon Z-Moves and More Ultra Beasts Coming to Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon!Released: November 14th, 2016Summary: This video shows off the exclusive Z-Moves of the fully evolved starters, new Ultra Beasts, and Alolan Diglett as well as Alolan Dugtrio. It also gives a quick peek at the gift Pokémon that are available at the game's release.

Keep Checking Back for More!

More information on Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon is definitely coming, so we'll be keeping the site updated! In the meantime, if you have an Azurilland account, please feel free to join us in the discussion about Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon!